Blackhawks 6, Blue Jackets 3
Captain Jonathan Toews collected two goals and an assist as the Chicago Blackhawks finally broke through on the power play to snap a three-game losing skid with a 6-3 road triumph over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday.
Andrew Brunette and defenseman Steve Montador netted power-play goals just under eight minutes apart in the second period for Chicago, which entered the contest with the league's worst percentage (8.8) in that department. By comparison, the Blackhawks posted the fourth-best power play last season.
After Toews' tallied twice in just over a 10-minute stretch in the first period, Chicago ignited a dormant power play that failed to convert on all but one of its previous 30 attempts.
With Jared Boll in the penalty box for roughing, Brunette gave the Blackhawks a 3-1 advantage just 1:25 into the second period. After assisting on Brunette's goal, Montador then netted his first as member of the Blackhawks to complete the Gordie Howe hat trick.
Stanley Cup hero Patrick Kane capped the three-goal second period by scoring on a breakaway and Corey Crawford turned aside 27 shots.
Defenseman Grant Clitsome tallied twice and new acquisition Mark Letestu netted a power-play goal in his first game since being traded from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Captain Rick Nash assisted on Letestu's goal, giving him 500 career points for Columbus.